RAC Know-How

Using licences from other countries in the UK

If you have a Driving Licence issued in another country you can drive in the UK; however, all drivers must comply with British minimum age requirements for the type of vehicle, for example, 17 years for cars and motorcycles.

If you have a valid European Community licence, you are authorised to drive in the UK and may apply to exchange your licence for a British one at any time.

Generally, all licence holders in the EC and European Economic Area plus Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are entitled to drive for at least 12 months, provided the full licence remains valid. If you want to continue driving in the UK after those 12 months you must apply to exchange your licence for a GB one before this 12 month period ends.

To exchange your licence for a full GB Driving Licence, you should complete an application form D1 and return it to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BT with your licence and the correct fee (see D1 for details).

Driving on other non-UK licences

If you hold a licence from a country other than those listed above, you can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your own country´s licence for up to 12 months from the time you become resident, providing the full licence remains valid.

If you want to continue driving in the UK after those 12 months you must apply for a provisional GB licence and pass a Driving Test before this 12 month period ends. If you receive your Provisional Licence before the 12 months, you´re not however required to follow the conditions applicable to UK residents; for example, displaying 'L´ plates, being supervised by a qualified driver, or being precluded from motorways.

However, if you do not pass a test within the 12 month concessionary period you will not be allowed to drive as a full Driving Licence holder and Provisional Licence conditions will apply. 

If you do not apply for a Provisional Licence within the first 12 months, you must stop driving and obtain a British Provisional Licence with a view to passing a Driving Test. Provisional Licence conditions will then apply.

Further information

The DVLA´s information leaflet D100 has further information on GB Driving Licences. Leaflet INF38 covers driving in Great Britain as a visitor or a new resident. Both these leaflets are available at post offices.